Derby fire grows to 5,000 acres — but several rainy days may be on the way

The Derby fire, a wildfire northeast of Glenwood Springs, grew 1,000 acres by Sunday.

The fire caused by a lightning strike a week ago has reached nearly 5,250 acres, a news release from the Derby Fire Information said Sunday morning. It still remains at 0% containment.

The Derby fire is located in the White River National Forest about 13 miles north of Dotsero, a small town along Interstate 70 in Eagle County near where the Glenwood Canyon begins.

There are 525 total personnel working to slow the fire, 100 more than the previous day.

The area could get some needed rain Sunday, officials said, but that may also increase the chance of lightning that could fuel or start new fires. Especially in drier areas.

Most of Eagle County was under extreme drought this week and the west side of th